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Being a football fan in England is expensive. The cost of going to a match is high. The price of football shirts also adds to the expense of following your favourite team. The latest soccer jerseys for the top English teams cost over $100. England's national team top for the Euros tournament this summer cost over $160. Teams from England's Premier League are cashing in on selling shirts. "The Sun," a UK newspaper, has revealed that some teams have increased the cost by 56 per cent over the past five years. A spokesperson for the London team Tottenham explained the high prices. He said it was because of a rise in the price of manufacturing, materials and shipping costs.
Consumer expert Jane Hawkes said the jerseys were overpriced and "not remotely justifiable". She told The Sun: "This is an own goal by mega-rich football clubs. Shirt prices have been soaring since the [coronavirus] pandemic." She added that: "Pricing [shirts] out of the reach of loyal fans in a cost-of-living crisis is unfair." She said it could "backfire on clubs". Fans are unhappy with the increasing prices. Manchester United fan Shane Hopkins was fed up with his team changing its kit every year. He said: "Naturally, my children want the latest shirts. They love their club. But that means I have to spend over $400 at the start of each season. Clubs are too greedy."
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